Catawba County News

This Week @ Your Library May 17-24

This Week @ Your Library May 17-24

Published: May 15, 2026

We've got storytimes! 

Ready to Learn Storytime: Preschool 
Preschool story time with reading 
readiness. Join us for songs, sensory play, crafts, and stories designed to prepare your preschooler to learn.

Wednesdays at 10 am
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
St. Stephens Branch Library
Main Library in Newton

Wednesdays at 11 am
Southwest Branch Library

Thursdays at 10 am 
Maiden Branch Library
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library
Southwest Branch Library
St. Stephens Branch Library

Fridays at 10 am 
Main Library in Newton

Ready to Learn Storytime: Tiny to Two
Mondays at 10 am
Main Library in Newton
Fridays at 10 am
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library

This sweet, simple, 20-minute story time features rhymes, bounces, sensory play, and singing for our youngest learners. Playtime follows.

Programs for children, ages 6-11!

American Sign Language for Beginners 
Monday, May 18 at 6:30 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library

Families are invited to explore beginner sign language together! This interactive class for children ages 5 and older and their grownups will cover basic signs and simple communication in a welcoming, supportive environment.

PAWS to Read
Tuesday, May 19
St. Stephens Branch Library
Conover Branch Library
by appointment

Encourage your young reader through reading with a certified therapy dog. To schedule an appointment, please call 828-466-6821 for St. Stephens or 828-466-5108 for Conover.

Programs for teens!

Teen Open Studio
Thursday, May 21 from 3:30 - 5:30 pm
Main Library in Newton

Whatever your creative outlet – writing, art, or something else entirely – we know you’ll enjoy this opportunity to create in a laid-back, welcoming studio atmosphere.

Programs for adults!

Zumba Mondays!
Mondays at 6 pm 
Main Library in Newton
Enjoy a dance and movement class that’s too much fun to call exercise.

NC Works
Wednesdays from 1:30 - 4:30 pm 
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library 

Work one-on-one with an NC Works representative who can help you find work, improve your skills, and connect you to other resources to make a good impression on employers.

Mindful Movement
Wednesdays & Fridays at 3 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library

Low impact exercise and gentle stretching for adults of all ages. 

A Matter of Balance
Fridays at 8:30 am
Catawba County Council on Aging
400 17th St SW, Hickory

Concerns about falling often restrict activities for older adults. But this award-winning, eight-week program is designed to help older adults manage and address concerns and increase their activity level, all of which leads to feeling better! You’ll learn what you need to know to reduce your risk of falling and increase your strength and balance. This class is for adults aged 60+ or with a condition that increases the risk of falls. Please call 828-328-2269 to register. 

Gentle Flow Yoga
Fridays at 11 am
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library

A certified yoga instructor will lead us through a beginner-friendly, gentle flow yoga class. You are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or towel as well as a small blanket.

Shelf-Care Book Club
Monday, May 18 at 6 pm
St. Stephens Branch Library

Treat yourself to the best kind of self-care: a good book! May’s book is The Burning Library by Gilly MacMillan.

Mountain View Book Club
Monday, May 18 at 6 pm
Southwest Branch Library

Join our book discussion on Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman. We’ll dive into the psychological drama that follows two women who must confront the lingering trauma and media scrutiny of a decade-old Greek summer vacation gone wrong.

Compound Butter Making 
Tuesday, May 19 at 5:30 pm
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library

Learn how to make homemade butter from scratch in this hands-on class, then elevate it with creative flavor additions. Exploring both sweet and savory compound butters to create delicious, customized spreads. To register, please call 828+466-6827.

Lincoln-Catawba Songwriters Alliance 
Tuesday, May 19 at 6 pm
Southwest Branch Library

Jump into the music social gathering, a lively musical playground where you can belt out a chorus, shred on your favorite guitar, or just kick back and soak up the vibes.

Chair Yoga 
Wednesday, May 20 at 11:30 am 
Sherrills Ford-Terrell Branch Library 

A certified yoga instructor will lead us through a beginner-friendly, gentle flow chair yoga class. Chair yoga allows you to perform yoga poses while seated or using a chair for balance. 

Microsoft Excel en español 
Miércoles, 20 de mayo a las 5:30 pm
Biblioteca Principal Newton

Aprende como usar las hojas de cálculo para crear un presupuesto, filtrar datos y más. Este curso durará 6 semanas. 

Newton Book Club
Thursday, May 21 at 5 pm
Carpe Crustum in Downtown Newton

Selecting a diverse range of works and authors, in May we’re talking about Three Days in June by Anne Tyler. 

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Zumba But Were Afraid to Attend!
Thursday, May 21 at 5:30 pm
Main Library in Newton

Join Zumba instructor Honey as she talks through ways to break down your own wall preventing you from being your most active. Be prepared to challenge yourself, open your mind, and learn a few Zumba moves in the process!

Visit with the Library to Go - out in the community!

Long View Town Hall Visit
Monday, May 18 from 2 - 5 pm 
2404 1st Ave SW, Hickory

Join us each month for library card sign-ups, checking-out materials, craft programs for adults, and storytimes for families. 

Conover Farmers Market
Saturday, May 23 from 8 am - 12 pm
202 1st Ave S, Conover
Across from Truist Bank, Downtown Conover

Stop by to check out materials and participate in library activities.